4-oxa-19-nor-delta1,5(10)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione steroids and their preparation



United States Patent 3,417,106 4-OXA-19-N0R-A -PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE STEROIDS AND THEIR PREPARATION Alexander D. Cross, Mexico City, Mexico, assignor to Syntex Corporation, Panama, Panama, a corporation of Panama No Drawing. Filed Nov. 16, 1964, Ser. No. 411,554 10 Claims. (Cl. 260-3405) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Novel 4 oxa 19 norpregna-1,5 10)-diene-3,20-dione steroids which are, inter alia, progestational and corticoidal agents and processes for the preparation of such compounds.

The present invention relates to novel cyclopentanophenanthrene derivatives and to a process for the production thereof.

More particularly the present invention relates to novel 4-oxa-l9-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione derivatives.

The novel compounds of the present invention are represented by the following formulae:

In the above formulae R represents hydrogen, hydroxyl or a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R represents hydrogen or a hydrocarbon carboxylic acyl group of less than 12 carbon atoms; R represents hydrogen; T may be hydrogen or methyl, the latter preferably at the tat-position in Formula C; R and T, together, and OR and T, together, represent a 16u,17a-lower alkylenedioxy grouping; X represents hydrogen, ,B-hydroxyl or keto; Y represents B-hydroxyl or keto; Where R is hydrogen, X is preferably hydrogen.

The acyl and acyloXy groups are derived from hydrocarbon carboxylic acids containing less than 12 carbon atoms which may be saturated or unsaturated, of straight, branched, cyclic or cyclic-aliphatic chain, or aromatic and may be substituted by functional groups such as hydroxy, alkoxy containing up to 5 carbon atoms, acyloxy containing up to 12 carbon atoms, nitro, amino or halogen. Typical ester groups are the acetate, propionate, enanthate, benzoate, trimethylacetate, t-butylacetate, phenoxyacetate, cyclopentylpropionate, aminoacetate, and fi-chloropropionate.

3,417,106 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 The compounds represented by the above Formulae A and B are progestational agents with good oral activity. In addition they have antiandrogenic, antigonadotrophic and antiestrogenic properties and are useful in fertility control. Furthermore, they may be used in the treatment of premenstrual tension and exhibit blood cholesterol lowering and diuretic activities.

The compounds represented by the above Formula C are valuable cortical hormones with high antiinflammatory, low catabolic, glycogenic and thymolytic activities.- In addition, they are antiandrogenic, antigonadotrophic and antiestrogenic hormones. Furthermore, they have topical activity in skin disorders such as psoriasis, allergic dermatitis and the like.

The novel compounds of the present invention are prepared by the process illustrated by the following scheme:

CH CH3 In the above formulae R, R R T, X and Y have the same meaning as set forth hereinabove.

In accordance with the above equation, the starting compound which is 4-oxa-19-nor-A -5a-pregnene-3,ZO-dione, or a derivative thereof (I) is treated with approximately 1 molar equivalent of an N bromoimide, such as bromosuccinimide, in an inert solvent, for example carbon tetrachloride, preferably at reflux temperature during approximately 1.5 hours, thus giving the corresponding lOfi-bromo derivatives (II), which upon mild alkaline treatment, for example in a mixture of calcium carbonate-dimethylformamide during approximately 30 minutes, at reflux temperature, produces the corresponding 4oxa-19-nor-A pregnadien-3,20-dione derivative (III). The latter compound is treated with a quinone of a reduction potential of less than 0.5 v. such as chloranil or 2,3-dichloro-5,6- dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone, in an inert solvent such as dioxane, preferably at reflux temperature during the period of time of the order of 10 hours, thus giving the corresponding 4 oxa-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-3,20=dione derivative (:IV).

Alternatively, a 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,2O- dione derivative (III), preferably one having an oxygen atom attached at C-17 is conventionally treated with cattle adrenal glands, to give the corresponding llfl-hydroxy compound (V; X=,8-OH) which is oxidize-d, e.g., with Jones reagent to the corresponding ll-keto derivative (V; X-=O). Any of the latter ll-substituted compounds (V; X H) upon treatment with iodine in the presence of calcium oxide, followed by reflux with potassium acetate in acetone afford the corresponding 2l-acetates (VI; R -=acety1). The acetyl group of the latter compounds may he hydrolyzed in a mild basic medium to give the corresponding 21-free alcohols (VI; R H) which, in turn, may be acylated in pyridine with a suitable acylating agent such as an anhydride or a chloride of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid of the type described hereinbefore, to give the corresponding 21-acylates, wherein the acyl group may be dilfere-nt from the previously hydrolyzed one.

The compounds of the present invention having in the molecule a tertiary hydroxyl group, e.g., at C17, are conventionally esterified in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid with an acylating agent, such as acetic anhydride, caproic anhydride, cyclopentylpropionic anhydride, or enanthic anhydride, to produce the corresponding esters.

The following specific examples serve to illustrate but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

PREPARATION 1 250 cc. of a 25% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added to a solution of 5 g. of 19-hydroxyprogesterone in 600 cc. of methanol and the mixture was kept for 8 hours at 70 C. Water was then added, the resulting mixture was extracted with methylene chloride, the extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. Crystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane yielded l9-nor-progesterone.

A solution of 4.5 g. of l9-nor-progesterone in 50 cc. of glacial acetic acid and 50 cc. of ethyl acetate was placed in an ozonization tube, cooled in an ice-salt bath. A stream of ozone was introduced for 2 hours (0.024 mol per hour), then 20 cc. of'water and 3 cc. of 30% hydrogen peroxide were added and the whole was stirred vigorously. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Then more ethyl acetate was added, the mixture washed successively with water, 5% aqueous sodium iodide solution, aqueous sodium thiosulfate, and water, then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evap orated to dryness. Recrystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane yielded 4,19-bis-nor-3,5-seco pregnane-S, 20-dione-3-oic acid.

A solution of 4 g. of sodium borohydride in 150 cc. of water was added to an ice-cooled solution of 4 g. of the latter compound in 320 cc. of dioxan and the mixture was allowed to stand for 30 minutes at 0 C. Then 250 cc. of water were added; the excess reagent was decomposed by addition of 1:1 hydrochloric acid. Excess of hydrochloric acid precipitated the desired lactone which was filtered off and dried. The solid was mixed with 40 cc. of dioxane and 2 g. of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4- benzoquinone and the resulting mixture refluxed for 50 hours. It was then cooled, the 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano- 1,4-benzohydroquinone formed during the reaction filtered off, and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in acetone and filtered through g. of alumina. Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave 4-oxa- 19-nor-A -5a-pregnen-20-ol-3-one.

A solution of 3 g. of the latter compound in 120 cc. of pyridine was added to a mixture of 3 g. of chromic trioxide in 120 cc. of pyridine. The reaction mixture was kept I II 1tia methyl-A -pregnen-19-ol-3,20-

0H8 16 fi methyl-A -pregnen-19-ol3,20-

0110 160:,17oriSOprOpylidene-diOXy-A pregnenl9ol-3,20-dione.

161-rnethyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A -5apreguene-3,20-dione.

16 B-methyH-oxa-lQ-nor-A -5apregnene-3,20-dione.

16:1,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy 4-oxa-19-n0i--A -5apregnene 3,20-dione.

4-oxa-19-n0r A -5a-pregnen-17aoI-3,20-dione.

17-acetate of M-pregnene-IMJQ- diol-3,20-dionc.

17-acetate of 16Q-metl1y1-A pregnene-17a,19-diol-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE I 5 g. of 4-oxa 19 nor-A -5a-pregnene-3,2O-dione in 200 cc. of carbon tetrachloride were refluxed with 1.1 molar equivalents of N-bromosuccinimide during 1 and a half hours. The mixture was filtered to eliminate the succinimide that was formed during the reaction. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Recrystallization from methylene-chloride-hexane gave 10pbromo 4 oxa-19-nor-A -5ut-pregnene-3,20-dione (Compound No. 1).

1 g. of the above compound was refluxed with 1 g. of calcium carbonate and 50 cc. of dimethyl formamide for 30 minutes. The mixture was filtered, the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue crystallized from acetone-hexane to alford 4-oxa-19-nor- A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione (Compound No. 2).

The compounds listed under I were treated by the foregoing procedure, giving firstly the corresponding 10B- bromo compounds and finally the products set forth under H:

Cpd. No. I II 3 16a-methy1-4-oxa-19-nor- 16a-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor- A -5a-pr egnene-3,20- A -pregnadiene-3,20- dione. dione.

4 16B-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor- 16Bmethyl-4-oxa-19-n0r- -D 4 -pregnadiene-3,20- dione. dione.

5 16a,17a-is0pr0pylidene- 16m-17a-isopropylidenedioxylexadQ-nor- 5a-pregnene-3,20-d1one.

1 .5 (10) egnadiene-3,20- dione.

6 4'0X21-19-110I-A -5a-prt3gnen- 4-oxa-l9-nor-A )-pregl7a-ol-3,20-dione. nadien-l7a-ol-3,20-dione. 7 16a-methyl-4-oxa-19-norlfiwmethyl-4-oxa-l9-nor- Af-5a-pregnen-l7a-ol-3,20- A -preg'nadien-17a-oldione. 3,20-di0ne.

EXAMPLE II Compound No.

9.-16a. methyl 4-0xa-19-11or-A -pregnatriene- 3,20-dione.

10.-16fi methyl-4 oxa-19-nor-A -pregnatriene- 3,20-dione.

11.16a,17 isopropylidenedioxy 4 oxa 19 nor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione.

12.-4-oxa 19 nor-A -pregnatrien-17 cool-3,20-

dione.

13.16a methyl 4 oxa 19 nor-A -pregnatrien 17a-ol-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE III To a solution of 5 g. of Compound No. 6 in 100 cc. of anhydrous benzene there were added 1 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid and 10 cc. of caprioc anhydride and the mixture was allowed to stand for 24 hours at room temperature, poured into ice and water, and the resulting mixture stirred to effect hydrolysis of the excess anhydride. The benzene layer was separated and washed with 10% sodium carbonate solution and water. Drying, evaporation and crystallization of the residue from ether-hexane produced the caproate of 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadien-17a-ol-3,20-dione (Compound No. 14).

The Compounds Nos. 7, 12 and 13 were treated by the same procedure, to give the corresponding caproates.

EXAMPLE IV The starting compounds of Example III were treated following exactly the procedure described in that example, except that caproic anhydride was substituted by acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, enanthic anhydride and cyclopentylpropionic anhydride thus affording respectively the corresponding acetates, propionates, enanthates, and cyclopentylpropionates of said starting compounds.

EXAMPLE V The following solutions A, B and C were prepared using distilled water as solvent: solution A was prepared by mixing 425 cc. of a 1.742% dipotassic phosphate solution (K HPO with 75 cc. of 1.38% monosodic phosphate; solution B was prepared by diluting a mixture of l l. of 4.5% sodium chloride solution, 40 cc. of a 5.75% potassium chloride solution and 10 cc. of a 19.1% magnesium sulfate, to a volume of 5 1.; solution C was prepared by dissolving 20.9 g. of fumaric acid and 14.4 g. of sodium hydroxide in 1 l. of water and diluting the solution to 1.2 1. Then 475 cc. of solution A, 4.32 l. of solution B and 1.21. of solution C were mixed.

Adrenal glands of recently slaughtered cattle, defatted, were ground in a meat grinder until a homogeneous mass was obtained; to 1 kg. of homogenate was added 2 liters of the mixture of A, B, and C solutions with vigorous stirring. To the mixture there was then added 1 g. of Compound No. 5 dissolved in 5.35 parts of propylenglycol, the mixture was stirred at 2837 C. for 3 hours, 13 liters of acetone were added and the mass was stirred at room temperature for an additional 1 hour.

The acetone extract was separated by filtration, the ground adrenals were washed with 6 liters of acetone, the extracts were combined and the solvent removed by distillation under reduced pressure. Chromatography on alumina and crystallization of the solid fractions afforded 16a,l7a isopropylidenedioxy 4 oxa 19 nor-A pregnadien-l1p-o1-3,20-dione (Compound No. 15

The Compounds Nos. 6 and 7 were treated by the same procedure thus affording respectively: 4-oxa-l9-nor- A -pregnadiene-11fl,17a-diol-3,20-dione (Compound No. 16) and l6a-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A -prenadienel1 8,17a-diol-3,20-dione (Compound No. 17).

EXAMPLE VI A solution of 1 g. of Compound No. 15 in 10 cc. of acetone was cooled to C. and treated under an atmosphere of nitrogen and with stirring, with a solution of 8 N chromic acid (prepared by mixing 26 g. of chromium trioxide with 23 cc. of concentrated sulfuric acid and diluting with water to 100 cc.), until the color of the reagent persisted in the mixture. It was stirred for minutes further at 0-5 C. and diluted with water. The

precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried under vacuum, thus affording a crude product which upon recrystallization from acetone-hexane gave 16a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy 4 oxa 19 nor-A -pregnadiene- 3,11,20-trione (Compound No. 18).

Upon treatment of Compounds Nos. 16 and 17 there were respectively obtained: 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadien-l7a-ol-3,11,20-trione (Compound No. 19) and 16amethyl 4-oxa 19-nor-A -pregnadien-l7a-ol-3,11,20- trione (Compound No. 20).

EXAMPLE VII A cooled solution of 4 g. of Compound No. 15 in 30 cc. of tetrahydrofuran and 18 cc. of methanol was treated under continuous stirring with 6 g. of pure calcium oxide, in small portions, and then with 6 g. of iodine. The stirring was continued at room temperature until the solution turned pale yellow. The mixture was poured into ice water containing 18 cc. of acetic acid and 2 g. of sodium thiosulfate. After stirring for 15 minutes the solution was decanted and the precipitate was collected by filtration, thus giving the corresponding 21-iodo derivative. This compound was mixed with cc. of acetone and 12 g. of recently fused potassium acetate and the mixture was refluxed for 8 hours, concentrated to a small volume, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate; the extract was washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated until crystallization started. The precipitate was collected and crystallized from methanol-water, thus yielding 16u,17a-isopr0pylidenedioxy-4-oxa-l9-nor-A pregnadiene-115,2l-diol- 3,20dione 2l-acetate (Compound No. 21).

The Compounds Nos. 16 to 20, inclusive, were treated by the latter procedure, thus yielding respectively:

Compound No. 22.4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadienel 1/3,17oc,21-tfi01- 3,20-dione 2l-acetate. 23 .16a-methyl-4-oxa-l9-nor-A -pregnadienel1 fl,17a,21-triol-3,20-dione 2l-acetate. 24.--1'6a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-19-nor-A pregnadien-21-ol-3,11,20-trione 2l-acetate. 25.4-oxa- 19-nor-A -pregnadiene- 170:,21-(1101- 3,1 1,20-trione 21-acetate. 26.16a-methyl-4oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene- 17a,21-diol-3,11,20-trione 21-acetate.

EXAMPLE VIII 2 g. of Compound No. 21 were dissolved in 50 cc. of methanol and treated with 5 cc. of a 4% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide; the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen at 0 C.; the mixture was acidified with acetic acid and the methanol distilled under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with water and the solid collected, washed with water, dried and recrystallized from ethyl acetate-methanol, thus producing 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-4 oxa 19' nor- A -pregnadiene-1lfi,21-diol 3,20 dione (Compound No. 27).

The Compounds Nos. 22 to 26, inclusive, were treated by the above procedure, thus yielding respectively: Compound No. 28.4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-11fl,17a,21 triol- 3,20-dione. 29.-l6a-methyl-4-oxa-l9-nor-A pregnadiene 1113,

17a,21-triol-3,20-dione. 30.16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-19-nor A pregnadien-2 l-ol-3,l 1,20-trione. 3l.4-0xa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-17u,21-diol 3,11,

20-trione. 32.16u-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A pregnadiene 17a,

2l-diol-3,l1,20-trione.

EXAMPLE IX A mixture of l g. of Compound No. 27, 4 cc. of pyridine and 2 cc. of propionic anhydride was kept at room temperature overnight, poured into ice Water, the formed precipitate was filtered, Washed with Water and dried. Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave 16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene 11B, 21-diol-3,20-dione 21-propionate (Compound No. 33).

The Compounds Nos. 28 to 32 inclusive, were treated by the above procedure, thus yielding respectively:

Compound No. 34.4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-11B,l7a,21 triol- 3,20-dione 21-propionate. 35.16u-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A pregnadiene 11B,

17u,21-triol-3,20-dione 21-propionate. 36.16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-19-nor A pregnadien-21-ol-3,1 1,20-trione 2l-propionate. 37.4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-17a,2l-diol 3,11-

ZO-trione 2l-propionate. 38.16a-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A pregnadiene 17cc,

21-diol-3,1 1,20-trione 21-propionate.

EXAMPLE X The starting compounds of Example IX were treated following exactly the procedure described in that example, except that propionic anhydride Was substituted by caproic anhydride, enanthic anhydride, and cyclopentylpropionic anhydride thus affording respectively the corresponding caproates, enanthates and cyclopentylpropiomates of said starting compounds.

I claim:

1. A compound of the following formula:

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl and hydrocarbon carboxylic acyloxy of less than 12 carbon atoms; T is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; R and T, together, form a l6a,17u-loWer alkylidenedioxy grouping; and X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, [ii-hydrogen and keto.

2. 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,10-dione.

3. 16a-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene 3,20- dione.

4. 16,8-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene 3,20- dione.

5. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-l9-nor A pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

6. 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadien-17a-o1-3,20 dione.

7. 16u-methyl-4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadien col-3,20'-dione.

8. 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-4-oxa-19-nor A pregnadiene-l lfi-ol-3,20 -dione.

9. 4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-l15,170; diol 3, 20-dione.

10. l6a-methy1-4-oxa-19-nor-A -pregnadiene llfi, 170c-diOl-3,20-Cli0116.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,296,278 1/1967 Cross 260343.2

NICHOLAS S. RIZZO, Primary Examiner.

J. H. TURNIPSEED, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,417, 106 December 17, 1965 Alexander D. Cross It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1 Formula B should appear as shown below:

Column 2, Formula II should appear as shown below:

same column 2, Formula VI should appear as shown below:

1 CH2OR "B-hydrogen" should read B-hydroxyl line Column 8, lines 6 and 7,

d 3,20'dione 8, "3,lO-dione should rea Signed and sealed this 7th day of April 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR. 

